[Federal Register: October 9, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 196)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 58291-58293]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09oc03-21]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NE-31-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc RB211-535 Turbofan
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for Rolls-Royce plc (RR) models RB211-535C-37, RB211-535E4-37, RB211-
535E4-B-37, and RB211-535E4-B-75 turbofan engines with radial drive
steady bearing part number (P/N) LK76084 installed. This proposed AD
would require initial and repetitive visual inspections of the engine
oil scavenge filter for evidence of radial drive steady bearing
failure, and if necessary radial drive steady bearing inspection for
damage and evidence of bearing debris. This proposed AD is prompted by
reports of seven low time failures of radial drive steady bearings
within a four-month period. We are proposing this AD to prevent a
possible dual-engine in-flight shutdown caused by radial drive steady
bearing failure.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by December 8,
2003.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD:
[sbull] By mail: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No.
2003-NE-31-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-
5299.
[sbull] By fax: (781) 238-7055. [sbull] By e-mail: 9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov.
You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD
from Rolls-Royce plc, P.O. Box 31 Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom (UK);
telephone 011-44-1332-242424; fax 011-44-1332-249936.
You may examine the AD docket, by appointment, at the FAA, New
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ian Dargin, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781) 238-
7178; fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[[Page 58292]]
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2003-NE-31-AD'' in the
subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of
your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with
the docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and
mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed
AD. If a person contacts us verbally, and that contact relates to a
substantive part of this proposed AD, we will summarize the contact and
place the summary in the docket. We will consider all comments received
by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those
comments.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications that affect you. You may get more information about
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www
.plainlanguage.gov.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service
information), by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the
location.
Discussion
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness
authority for the U.K., recently notified the FAA that an unsafe
condition may exist on RR models RB211-535C-37, RB211-535E4-37, RB211-
535E4-B-37, and RB211-535E4-B-75 turbofan engines with radial drive
steady bearing P/N LK76084 installed. The CAA received reports of seven
low time failures of radial drive steady bearings within a four-month
period. These failures were not detected through routine magnetic chip
detector monitoring because the failed bronze bearing cages are
nonmagnetic, and the cage failure mode is rapid.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of RR
Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. RB.211-72-C815, Revision 3, dated
October 5, 2000, that describes procedures for scavenge filter
inspection, and if necessary, radial drive steady bearing inspection
for failure debris. The CAA classified this MSB as mandatory and issued
airworthiness directive 005-07-99, dated July 30, 1999, in order to
ensure the airworthiness of these RR models RB211-535C-37, RB211-535E4-
37, RB211-535E4-B-37, and RB211-535E4-B-75 turbofan engines in the U.K.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Manufacturer's Service
Information
Although RR MSB No. RB.211-72-C815, Revision 3, dated October 5,
2000, Accomplishment Instructions require an engine acceptance
inspection, this proposal does not require an engine acceptance
inspection because pre-Service Bulletin RB.211-72-C925 new or low time
radial drive steady bearings are no longer available. Also, instead of
the MSB requirement that inspections be triggered when a continuous
illumination of the filter blockage warning light occurs, this proposal
adds a repetitive inspection at 500 engine operating hour intervals
after initial inspection to coincide with every airframe ``A'' check.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
These RR models RB211-535C-37, RB211-535E4-37, RB211-535E4-B-37,
and RB211-535E4-B-75 turbofan engines, manufactured in the U.K., are
type-certificated for operation in the United States under the
provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant
to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept us informed
of the situation described above. We have examined the CAA's findings,
reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is
necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States. Therefore, we are proposing this AD,
which would require initial and repetitive visual inspections of the
engine oil scavenge filter for evidence of radial drive steady bearing
failure, and if necessary, radial drive steady bearing inspection for
damage and evidence of bearing debris. Radial drive steady bearings
with engine operating hours of 3,000 or more are not affected by this
proposed AD. The proposed AD would require you to use the service
information described previously to perform these actions.
Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the Proposed AD
On July 10, 2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67
FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. This
regulation now includes material that relates to altered products,
special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This
material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this
material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in
future AD actions.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 1,078 RR model RB211-535C-37, RB211-535E4-37,
RB211-535E4-B-37, and RB211-535E4-B-75 turbofan engines of the affected
design in the worldwide fleet. We estimate that 288 of these model
engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by
this proposed AD. We also estimate that it would take about four work
hours per engine to perform the proposed actions, and that the average
labor rate is $65 per work hour. Required replacement scavenge filters
would cost about $100 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate
the total cost of one inspection per year in the proposed AD, to U.S.
operators to be $97,920.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this proposal and
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include
``AD Docket No. 2003-NE-31-AD'' in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
[[Page 58293]]
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14
CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. 2003-NE-31-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness
directive (AD) action by December 8, 2003.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce plc (RR) models RB211-535C-
37, RB211-535E4-37, RB211-535E4-B-37, and RB211-535E4-B-75 turbofan
engines with radial drive steady bearing part number LK76084
installed with fewer than 3,000 engine operating hours accumulated
on the bearing. Radial drive steady bearings with engine operating
hours of 3,000 or more are not affected by this proposed AD. These
engines are installed on, but not limited to Boeing 757 and Tupolev
Tu204 airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of seven low time failures
of radial drive steady bearings within a four-month period. We are
issuing this AD to prevent a possible dual-engine in-flight shutdown
caused by radial drive steady bearing failure.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the
actions have already been done.
Initial Visual Inspection
(f) Perform an initial inspection of the engine scavenge filter
for evidence of radial drive steady bearing failure, within 300
engine operating hours or 45 days after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs first, and replace parts as necessary. Use
paragraph 3.B. of Accomplishment Instructions of RR Mandatory
Service Bulletin (MSB) No. RB.211-72-C815, Revision 3, dated October
5, 2000, to do the inspection and parts replacements.
Repetitive Visual Inspections
(g) Thereafter, for radial drive steady bearings with less than
3,000 engine operating hours, perform repetitive inspections of the
engine scavenge filter for evidence of radial drive steady bearing
failure, at intervals not to exceed 500 engine operating hours since
the previous inspection, and replace parts as necessary. Use
paragraph 3.C. of Accomplishment Instructions of RR MSB No. RB.211-
72-C815, Revision 3, dated October 5, 2000, to do the inspections
and parts replacements.
Rejected Bearings
(h) Send rejected bearings, together with the associated
scavenge filter, to Rolls-Royce for analysis.
Reporting Requirements
(i) The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the
reporting requirements specified in paragraph 3. of RR MSB No.
RB.211-72-C815, Revision 3, dated October 5, 2000, and assigned OMB
control number 2120-0056.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(j) You must request AMOCs as specified in 14 CFR 39.19. All
AMOCs must be approved by the Manager, Engine Certification Office,
FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use Rolls-Royce plc Mandatory Service Bulletin No.
RB.211-72-C815, Revision 3, dated October 5, 2000, to perform the
inspections and parts replacements required by this AD. Approval of
incorporation by reference from the Office of the Federal Register
is pending.
Related Information
(l) CAA airworthiness directive 005-07-99, dated July 30, 1999,
also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 3, 2003
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-25578 Filed 10-8-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P